Top 5 Best Rated Toilets: An In-Depth Guide and Reviews 2018

They say your home is your castle. If that’s the case, then your toilet is the undisputed throne. Through surveys, it has been found that an adult can spend as much as three hours per week sitting on the pot. This is more time than many people spend exercising!

With so much of your life spent in the bathroom, choosing new fixtures is not a decision to be taken lightly. The problem is, how can the average person decide what makes a good toilet? We all use them, but I bet you have never even thought about what makes some great and others awful.

If you are renovating or building a house, then you have a big decision to make about which toilet is best for your home. There are so many choices out there and lets be honest – to the inexperienced, one white porcelain bowl looks like all the others.

You could always rely on the opinion of your plumber, but they are not the ones who will be using your bathroom every day. To help you make an informed decision, we have created this comprehensive review of the best options currently available on the market.

To save you time and effort, our experts have narrowed down the choices to the top five best toilets. Our experts have taken everything into consideration when developing this list, including water usage, comfort and style. We spent hours looking at the fine details, so you don’t have to.

Even though many toilets look the same at first glance, they are far from equal. Many use substandard materials that are hard to clean or stain easily. Or even worse, they are uncomfortable.

Some fixtures use way too much water, which is bad for the environment AND your back-pocket. We have taken into consideration every important factor and have included only the very best.

Before we jump into the reviews, let’s take a closer look at what makes a great toilet. Here’s what you should be looking for.

What Makes the Best Toilet For Your House Anyway?

In your lifetime, you will use too many toilets to count. Pretty soon after sitting down on one, you will figure out if you like it or not. Yet it is unlikely that you really understand why you enjoyed that particular commode.

If you are building or renovating a new bathroom, you are in a unique position to choose the perfect bathroom fittings. You are the one that is going to have to live with it for years so comfort and usability should be your primary concerns.

Consider this story about Barry and his experience with a new lavatory. His story highlights the need to consider your options before parting with your cash.

Barry recently went through the stress of having his dream home built. With his family, he carefully chose the kitchen counters. They agonized over the colors for the walls. They tried every tap in the store before deciding on ones for the kitchen and bathrooms.

When it came to the toilet, no one cared and they chose a mid-priced one at random. This is where the troubles began for Barry. He moved into his lovely new home, but soon realized not everything was as perfect as he’d hoped.

Specifically, his bathroom was not up to par. Barry found sitting on his new commode was uncomfortable but worst of all, it didn’t flush well. He wasn’t going to purchase and install a new one so he just had to live with it. Don’t let this happen to you!

You do not want to replace a brand new toilet because you made the wrong decision. That’s why you need to choose the right fixtures the first time around. Here are the most important features to consider.

Water Saving

One key feature of any modern toilet is its water efficiency. Utility bills are only getting higher so every little bit you can save helps the family budget. Also, using less water is great for the environment. Win-win!

Comfort

Because you spend so much time every day in the bathroom, comfort is key. Many things can contribute to this, including the style of the seat, the height, or the depth of the bowl.

Ease of Installation

Although most people will have someone do the installation for them, ease of install is still important. The less time a plumber takes to complete the fit, the lower the overall cost.

Compact Design

Previously, toilets were bulky with large water tanks that took up a lot of room. Now, it’s possible to get far more compact designs which take up less room and blend in better with other bathroom fixtures.

Flush Power

Possibly the most frustrating thing in the world is a weak flush. No one wants to flush multiple times, or have waste stay behind in the bowl. Make sure you get a unit that will deliver a high powered flush that gets everything out of there the first time.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning the bathroom is one of the least desirable jobs in any household. Make that task easier and choose fittings that are designed to be easily cleaned and don’t become stained.

You should also consider fitting an ADA compliant toilet. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a set of standards designed to ensure all people can access facilities, like bathrooms. If you are running commercial premises, or will resell your home in the future, then ADA compliant fittings are a good choice.

You may be thinking all this worry over bathroom fittings is unnecessary. However, you’ll soon understand what all the fuss is about if you get stuck with a substandard pot.

Making sure you choose the best for your budget will give you a better experience and save you money in the long run. Here are some other style and design considerations to think about.

What Other Features Do I Need to Consider?

As you may have guessed already, the act of choosing a toilet is not as simple as it seems. In addition to the considerations detailed already, there are a lot of other design features you need to make a decision about.

Depending on your specific needs or the dimensions and design of your bathroom, you may need to compromise or leave some features out. Here are some of the biggest elements.

One or Two Piece

The very first decision you should make is whether you want a one-piece or two-piece design. Two pieces is the most common, generally due to the lower cost. With this design, the bowl and tank are separate. This makes it possible to replace one component in the future without having to replace the entire thing.

One-piece designs, as the name suggests, incorporate the tank and bowl into one structure. This makes them more expensive and a bit more difficult to transport and fit. The benefit is they look sleeker and are easier to clean.

Bowl Shape

You may not have noticed before, but the majority of toilet bowls are one of two shapes: elongated or round. Elongated bowls are considered the best choice and the most sanitary. However, due to their shape, they can be hard to fit into small spaces. If space is an issue, round bowls are a better option.

Tank or Tankless

Tanks in toilets have traditionally been used because it is the only way to get water pressure or speed high enough to create the ‘siphon effect’, which empties the bowl. The problem is, tanks can be unsightly. Modern tankless designs now function as well as traditional tank models.

Footprint and ‘Wallprint’

One thing very few people ever think about is the space taken up on your floor and wall by the bathroom fixtures. You may need to sacrifice more room than you think and it can impact the opening of drawers and shelves. Make sure to measure carefully when choosing all your bathroom fixtures.

Pressure Assisted Flush

Traditionally, lavatories have relied on gravity to provide the pressure and force necessary to empty the bowl. This requires a certain capacity in the tank to work properly. With pressure assisted flush, you can reduce the size of the tank because the water is held at a pressure higher than normal.

Warranty

Like any product you buy, a warranty is very important. Be sure that your new purchase is covered by a comprehensive guarantee.

When you’ve taken the time to carefully consider all the features you want, here are the best five toilets currently available.

Top 5 Toilet Options With Reviews and Ratings

In each review, you’ll get all the details you need to decide if it’s the right toilet for you. The categories we will be evaluating the top picks on are:

Style

Weight

Capacity

Durability

Customer satisfaction

Water consumption

We’ll also share real user reviews so you can see how others feel about their new commode. If you go down to your local plumbing showroom or hardware store, all you will get is salesmen looking to close a deal. This way, you get the facts and decide which will work best for you. Here are the top 5 best toilets available.

#5 – Woodbridgebath T-0019: Best For Compact Bathrooms

The Woodbridgebath T-0019 is a modern and sleek one-piece toilet. It features a dual flush, elongated bowl and a soft closing lid to make sure you have the best experience possible.

This design also ensures the bowl is at a comfortable height so you can comfortably sit for extended periods.

The manufacturer has only been around since 2005, which means they are relatively new to the industry. But they offer revolutionary new designs that are attractive for modern homes. Here’s a breakdown of the main features.

Style: As mentioned already, this unit has a sleek and modern design. Even though it has an elongated bowl design, it still manages to be compact due to the small tank design.

Weight: The total weight of this unit is 118 pounds, which is definitely on the heavier side. Since this model looks so compact, the sturdiness can be surprising.

Capacity: The tank capacity is 1.28 gallons, which is slightly below the average 1.6 gallon models.

Durability: The single piece construction feels solid and with the materials used, it proves to be extraordinarily durable.

Water Consumption: With the small size of tank and the dual flush feature, conserving water is easy. The siphon design on this product helps to keep pressure high despite the smaller amount of water used.

Customer Satisfaction: Reviews for this product are generally positive, however some people have reported troubles with fitting this toilet.

Some customers find the bolts are hard to reach because of the one-piece design. In addition, there seems to be some issues with the functionality of the dual flush. Some users have experienced the push button needs to be held down longer to get a full flush.

As you can see, this is a promising design from Woodbridgebath, which would definitely be suitable for smaller bathrooms where space is at a premium. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be a polished product yet with slight problems in the ease of installation and questionable dual flush function.

But if space is a commodity for you, this is still a good option.

#4 – TOTO Drake: Best Budget Option

The TOTO CST744SL is a solid, good valued two-piece toilet that would not look out of place in any regular home. It features all the options you would expect, without any bells or whistles.

TOTO has been around since 1912 and really understands the industry and its customers’ needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main features:

Style: Classic design that is functional but unlikely to turn any heads. It has stood the test of time, but may not fit in with a more modern decor.

Weight: At a slim 92 pounds, this unit is on the light side for a fully featured model.

Capacity: Sticking with the classic design choices, this unit has the regular 1.6 gallon tank capacity.

Durability: As far as durability goes, this toilet has stood the test of time and is tough, backed by a rather slim one year manufacturer warranty.

Water Consumption: This commode is not designed with water efficiency as the number one concern. There is no dual flush and the emphasis is on increasing flow, not decreasing water usage.

Customer Satisfaction: For such a widely used item, the TOTO Drake has gotten a lot of positive reviews and very few complaints. However, there is a recurring theme about the lack of an included seat.

Keep in mind, when purchasing this product, it doesn’t come with a seat so budget extra for that. You may also have to purchase some inexpensive hardware for mounting.

There is also a general feeling that the Drake is tall, which can make it difficult for children and shorter adults. If you’re below the average height, you may consider testing a toilet of similar height before purchasing.

With such a classic design and regular set of features, this bathroom fixture won’t turn any heads. But it’s a great budget option if you are looking for a solid, serviceable option at a fair price. Although there are some user complaints, the overall opinion of the Drake is positive.

#3 – American Standard H2Optimum: Best For Outstanding Water Efficiency

The American Standard 288AA114.020 H2Optimum is a classically styled commode, but is far from classic in its functionality. Featuring well-refined flushing technology, this bathroom fixture is super water efficient without sacrificing performance.

Style: This is a classic, two-piece design in white porcelain. It has an elongated bowl and a slightly elevated height that brings it in line with ADA standards. It definitely won’t win any design awards, but it gets the job done!

Weight: At 75.6 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight making it easy to fit and ship.

Capacity: The key to the water efficiency is the small 1.1 gallon tank. This is smaller than traditional models, but still offers the same flushing power.

Durability: Most customers have found its durability a positive, even when having it shipped.

Water Consumption: This is one of the most water efficient models on the market. Only using 1.1 gallons per flush, this toilet gets a top environmental rating and will save you money on your water bills.

Customer Satisfaction: This is a solid offering by American Standard who have a strong reputation in the industry. It is really hard to find anyone with negative things to say.

This is a great choice if you care about water efficiency. You will not find a more environmentally friendly option right now at this price point. However, this is definitely a basic design that does not really fit in with high-end or modern bathrooms.

#2 – TOTO Eco Ultramax: Top Bang For Your Buck

The TOTO MS853113E Eco Ultramax is a real feature-packed toilet in a stylish and durable one-piece design. Its real claim to fame is water efficiency combined with style.

But with the quality of construction and features, it is also a great choice if you are looking to get the most out of your money.

Style: This toilet is a more upscale one-piece style that looks at home in well-renovated traditional or modern bathrooms. It features a round bowl design, which is not the preferred option. But this is in part to offset the large environmental footprint.

Weight: At 65 pounds, it’s pretty small, which can be great if you are looking to save some space in your bathroom.

Capacity: This model has a 1.28 gallon tank, which is standard for most eco-friendly brands.

Durability: The one-piece design lends itself to durability. But if there’s ever a problem with the porcelain, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.

Water Consumption: The Eco Ultramax meets the basic environmental standards that are in force in the US so you can flush guilt-free.

Customer Satisfaction: Most customers are very happy with this model, but reviews do highlight some things to be aware about.

Some customers find the bowl to be a bit small, so it may not be suited well for larger people. Also, the seat sits a bit low so for users who are tall, this may be an issue.

Overall, this is a great, well-rounded option that gives you real bang for your buck. But there are still small issues, which keeps it from being our number one recommendation.

#1 – American Standard Champion-4: Simply The Best

The American Standard Champion-4 is a real showstopper of a bathroom addition. It packs in an amazing range of features, all in an elegant and stylish one-piece design.

American Standard has worked hard to make sure this model includes the latest flushing technology and high-quality porcelain so you will always have a clean and well-functioning toilet.

Style: The Champion-4 has a classic and stylish one-piece design that hides the modern inner workings of the toilet. Multiple colors are available so you can choose one that best suits your home decor. The height of this unit makes it ADA compliant.

Weight: As you would expect in such a high end model, this is hefty, strong, and durable at 119 pounds.

Durability: American Standard has used high quality, ‘EverClean’ porcelain – which can really stand the test of time. They have so much faith in their product that they offer a stunning 10-year warranty.

Water Consumption: Even though it has unrivaled flushing power, this toilet only uses the standard 1.6 gallon flush.

Customer Satisfaction: As you would expect with such a powerhouse product, the reviews for the Champion-4 are overwhelmingly positive.

Customers rave about the functionality of this toilet, which works well without any problems even over the course of years. Reviews across the board are positive with users boasting about the ease of cleaning, stylish design, and excellent packaging with fast shipping.

Although it was hard to choose from these five great options, the American Standard Champion-4 is a cut above the rest. With its stylish design and high performance, there is no better toilet you could buy right now.

While all the other models listed have some drawbacks, the Champion-4 has no real negative features to speak of.

Choosing a commode with top features is important because of how often you will use it, so choosing a top quality product like this is the obvious choice. Here’s where you can get any of these great toilets for the best price, including our number one choice.

Here’s Where to Buy the Best Toilet For Your Home Without Getting Ripped Off

Are you ready to bring comfort and efficiency to your bathroom with a brand new toilet? It may be the first time you’ve had to buy something like this. In the past, you would head to a plumbing fixture showroom, or a hardware store and choose from their limited range.

Now it is easy to buy large items online. Not only do you get the full range of options from all the major brands, you also get the best price with quick delivery right to your front door.

Ordering online could not be easier or safer. In addition to the included manufacturers’ warranties, which is as long as ten years for our number one choice, you also get the buyer protection offered to Amazon customers.

This makes it incredibly easy to process a refund or return if the product you choose doesn’t meet your expectations. You can find each of the top five toilets reviewed here for the best price through our links.

You could choose any old toilet at random, but you will always be left thinking how it could be better. You could also go with one recommended by your plumber or a salesman and hope for the best. Instead of putting your choice in the hands of others, you can go straight for the number one option preferred by others.

We have put a massive amount of time and effort into reviewing and evaluating a lot of toilets to find the best ones. You’ll be pleased with any of the commodes suggested, although we definitely recommend the Champion-4 if it fits into your budget.

No matter what you do, make sure to consider the features of your bathroom fixtures carefully. Here are a few things to watch out for.

Common Problems of Bad Toilets – Don’t Get Stuck With One

The main reason you need to put so much thought into choosing a new toilet is the fact that having one that performs badly sucks! There’s nothing worse than a defective commode, which you will know if you ever had the displeasure of using one.

There are a number of common problems people experience with substandard lavatories. Maybe you have even experienced some of these yourself!

Weak Flushes: As far as toilet problems go, this is easily the worst one as it has lingering effects. With a weak flush, the bowl is often not emptied or the waste is not moved far enough down the pipe. People with this problem will have to flush more than once, wasting water, or they will deal with more frequent blockages.

Running: A running toilet is when there is a constant drip or stream of water entering the bowl. This is a massive waste of water and results in higher utility bills. It’s mostly caused by poor quality or worn out parts in the flushing mechanism.

Overflowing: Overflowing is a serious problem, as it can cause water damage in your bathroom or other areas of the home. This is generally caused by either a blockage in the pipe, or from a faulty tank which puts more water into the bowl than can be drained.

Blockages: Getting a blockage in your bathroom is a real pain. Usually, these are caused by suction from the siphon component, or poor flow and pressure in the flush mechanism.

To avoid having to deal with any of these crappy issues, it’s crucial you choose something with adequate quality when you are building or renovating.

Although many toilets look similar, they are far from equal. And if you aren’t careful, you’ll be left with a dud. If you consider how much use you’ll get out of your toilet over the years, it makes sense to invest in quality.

One last thing to consider, an ADA toilet. Here’s what it means.

What Does ADA Mean When it Comes to Choosing a Toilet?

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act and it enacts standards for accessibility. Older people and those with disabilities have an equal need to use facilities, including bathrooms.

The ADA has guidelines for toilets that ensure all people can use them. They award compliance to the fitting itself, rather than individual installations.

Even if you are not elderly or disabled, there are still compelling reasons to install an ADA compliant toilet. First, if you are running a commercial premises, then you are required to have ADA compliance – you have no choice in the matter.

In your home, it is also useful to have compliance if you have guests who are elderly or disabled. Also, if you are hoping to own your home into retirement, it pays to be prepared.

Many people overlook the positive effect ADA compliance can have on resale. By ensuring your lavatory is already compliant, it will interest a wider range of people and can be the difference between closing a deal or losing one.

The great thing is you can get an ADA compliant fixture for little or no extra cost. More and more manufacturers are making their standard model fittings ADA compliant, so it is becoming easier to get your bathroom in compliance.

Ultimately, it’s your choice to pursue ADA compliance or not. But there are no big drawbacks of doing so and has the potential to benefit you in the long run.